The Institute for Social & Economic Research has announced a major new study into the effects of breastfeeding.

Enabled by a grant of £240,000, researchers will examine the relationship between breastfeeding and a child’s early development. It will also examine whether a child’s social development is influenced by breastfeeding by looking at areas such as hyperactivity and peer problems.

The study will also encompass links between breastfeeding and the health of mothers and the impact of family-friendly working practices on returning to work and its effect on breastfeeding duration.